NY TOY FAIR: International visitors boost show

Retailers from countries as diverse as Argentina, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Malaysia, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela are heading for this year's show.

"The visitor data looks very positive with over 24,000 visitors pre-registered to attend," commented Joan Wyche, TIA Director, buyer relations and attendee services. "22 of the top 25 sellers in the US have registered for Toy Fair, representing $16bn of our $21.5bn industry, and overall we are looking forward to welcoming representatives from 7,300 retail outlets across 96 countries, 17 per cent of whom will be coming to Toy Fair for the first time."

A deeper analysis of the visitor data also reveals a significant increase in representatives from the licensing, entertainment and marketing industries attending Toy Fair 2011 - up on average by 30 per cent.

In terms of product popularity and trends, the Teen and Tween category has seen a surge in interest with registered buyers; leaping from 17 in 2010’s top twenty preferences, to number three in this year’s top ten, followed by Dolls in the number two position and Arts & Crafts topping the list.

The 2011 show will also feature enhanced facilities for international buyers. The new International Visitors Services section of the show website has been designed to help overseas buyers register and get the most out their visit to the show. International attendees can register online or at the show at the International Registration Areas. Multi-lingual staff will also be on hand to provide help and advice in the Buyers Lounge/International Business Centre during the show.

The 2011 event will be held February 13th-16th, 2011 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City; online registration is currently open